4 Ways To Kill A Hornet Nest - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Kill a Hornet Nest PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Scott McCombe

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References

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  • Taking Safety Precautions
    • |
  • Spraying the Nest with Dust
    • |
  • Using an Insecticide Spray
    • |
  • Removing the Nest
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Scott McCombe. Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 94,186 times.

Hornets are types of wasps that can sting multiple times when they're provoked. When hornets build a nest near your home, they can be a nuisance and danger to you or your family. Luckily, hornet nests are easy to get rid of whether you use an insecticidal dust or spray. Just make sure to take proper safety precautions to avoid getting stung!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Taking Safety Precautions

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  1. Step 1 See a doctor to determine if you're allergic to hornets. 1 See a doctor to determine if you're allergic to hornets. If you haven't been stung by a hornet before, schedule an allergy test with your primary doctor before you try to take down the nest. They will test to see if you have any severe reactions to hornet venom. If your doctor confirms you aren't allergic, you can consider removing the nest on your own.[1]
    • If you are allergic to hornets, do not take down the nest yourself. Call a professional exterminator or ask someone else to take it down for you.
  2. Step 2 Determine what kind of hornets you're dealing with. 2 Determine what kind of hornets you're dealing with. Hornets build their nests the same way, but some species are more aggressive than others. Look at the appearance of each hornet to determine what type you're dealing with.
    • Bald-faced hornets are the most common hornets in North America. The hornet's body is mostly black with white markings on their abdomen and head. Their nests are usually found at least 3 feet (0.91 m) off the ground and are primarily gray in color.[2]
    • European hornets are common hornets in North America and Europe. Their bodies are yellow and red, and they can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Their nests are usually in a hollow tree or wall void 6 feet (1.8 m) off the ground.[3]
    • Asian giant hornets/murder hornets are the largest hornet species that are primarily found in Asia and are extremely aggressive. Their bodies are orange and brown and can grow up to 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length. The Asian giant hornets' nests are usually underground or in tree cavities.[4]
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  3. Step 3 Plan to kill the nest at sunset. 3 Plan to kill the nest at sunset. Attack the nest when right at sunset or at night so most of the colony is inside. Hornets are less active at night and there will be less of a chance that you'll get stung when you try to remove it.[5]
  4. Step 4 Wear protective clothing to prevent stings. 4 Wear protective clothing to prevent stings.[6] Wear long sleeves and pants to keep hornets out of your clothes. Wrap a scarf around your head or tighten a hood around your face to protect your neck. Cover your face with safety goggles and a facemask. Tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots and wear thick gloves to protect your hands.[7]
    • Wear a beekeeping suit if you have access to one. These will protect you the best from hornet stings.
  5. Step 5 Keep pets and children inside when you kill the nest. 5 Keep pets and children inside when you kill the nest. The chemicals in the insecticides could harm animals or children, so make sure they are inside and the windows are closed. This also helps prevent them from being stung by any angry hornets when you attack the nest.[8]
  6. Step 6 Plan a route to get away from the nest. 6 Plan a route to get away from the nest. When you spray a hornet's nest, the colony will start to swarm and come out of the entrance. Find a path leading back indoors so you can immediately flee once you apply the insecticide.[9]
    • Make sure there are no tripping hazards in the direction you plan on running.
  7. Step 7 Call an exterminator if the nest is in a hard to reach place. 7 Call an exterminator if the nest is in a hard to reach place.[10] If the nest is on a high branch or near your roof, don't attempt climbing up to reach the nest. Call a professional service and let them know about the hornet problem you're having. They will have more experience and be able to handle the nest.[11]
    • Don't stand on a ladder to remove the nest. If you fall off the ladder, you could hurt yourself and get stung.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Spraying the Nest with Dust

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  1. Step 1 Purchase an insecticidal dust formula. 1 Purchase an insecticidal dust formula.[12] Insecticidal dust coats the hornets in a water-repellent killer that prevents them from flying. The chemicals are then absorbed into their bodies to kill them in a short amount of time. Find an insecticidal dust meant for hornets or wasp control.
    • Insecticidal dust is typically sold with a hand duster and can be purchased at your local yard care or gardening store.
  2. Step 2 Locate the entrance hole on the bottom of the nest during the day. 2 Locate the entrance hole on the bottom of the nest during the day. Look for a hole near the bottom of the nest that hornets are entering and exiting. This should be the only entrance on the nest and will be the area you want to focus on when you apply the dust.
    • See if you can find another area on the nest where hornets are entering and exiting. This may indicate a second hole that you should spray.
  3. Step 3 Place the end of the duster near the entrance of the nest at night. 3 Place the end of the duster near the entrance of the nest at night. Once the sun has set, relocate the entrance again using a flashlight. Don't forget to wear your protective gear in case the hornets sting. Aim the duster directly at the hole.
    • Don't aim your flashlight directly at the entrance hole or else you could disturb the hornets inside.
  4. Step 4 Squeeze the duster's bulb to coat the hornets. 4 Squeeze the duster's bulb to coat the hornets. Use the bulb on the end of the duster to make the dust come out. Spray the outside of the entrance hole first before putting the tip inside. The dust will coat the hornets and the inside of the nest so it's more difficult for the hornets to move around. Once you've spread the dust, leave the area to prevent any stings.
    • Some hornets will escape before they're covered in dust but they will return to the nest eventually.
  5. Step 5 Dust the hornets again if you notice activity after 2 days. 5 Dust the hornets again if you notice activity after 2 days. Revisit the nest after a few days to see if there are still any hornets entering or exiting. If some of the hornets are still active, do another dust treatment to kill any that survived.
    • The dust usually works within 24 hours.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Using an Insecticide Spray

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  1. Step 1 Buy an insecticide made for hornet removal. 1 Buy an insecticide made for hornet removal.[13] Look for aerosol cans with a powerful spray that shoots between 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 m). Many of these insecticides will kill the hornets on contact so hornets that return to the nest will still die.[14]
    • Insecticides can be bought at your local yard care or gardening store.
  2. Step 2 Aim the insecticide at the entrance of the hornet's nest. 2 Aim the insecticide at the entrance of the hornet's nest. Stand at least 10 feet (3.0 m) back from the nest so hornets are less likely to sting you. Make sure the nozzle is pointed at the hole in the bottom of the hornet's nest since this is the main entrance and exit.[15]
    • Remember to wear your protective clothing and to spray the insecticide after sunset when most of the hornets will be dormant.
  3. Step 3 Spray the insecticide at the entrance for at least 10 seconds. 3 Spray the insecticide at the entrance for at least 10 seconds. Keep the insecticide pointed at the entrance hole while you spray. Coat the entire opening of the nest so hornets entering or exiting will die on contact. Once the hole is saturated, coat the rest of the nest before getting to a safe place.[16]
    • The hornets will start to swarm as soon as the nest is under attack. Focus on the entrance to prevent hornets from flying near you.
  4. Step 4 Wait 24 hours to see if any hornets survived and respray. 4 Wait 24 hours to see if any hornets survived and respray. Come back to the hornet nest the next day to see if there's any activity. If you notice hornets still swarming around the nest, apply another round of the insecticide to completely saturate the nest.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Removing the Nest

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  1. Step 1 Wait 2-3 days after you apply an insecticide. 1 Wait 2-3 days after you apply an insecticide. Let the insecticide of your choice settle inside the nest so most, if not all, of the hornets die. After a few days, look for any activity around the nest. If there are no hornets flying around the nest, it's safe to remove.
    • If you still notice hornets around the nest, use another application of your insecticide to kill them.
  2. Step 2 Put a garbage bag underneath the nest. 2 Put a garbage bag underneath the nest. Lay an open heavy-duty garbage bag directly underneath the nest so it falls inside when you remove it. If you want to, place the garbage bag in a bin so it's held open.
    • Use a thick garbage bag meant for yard work if you can.
  3. Step 3 Use a scraper to remove the nest so it falls in the bag. 3 Use a scraper to remove the nest so it falls in the bag. Make sure the scraper has a handle long enough to reach the nest. Work around the edges of the nest to loosen it from the surface it's built on. Once the nest is loose, it should fall directly into the garbage bag below it.[17]
    • Scrapers can be purchased at your local hardware or homecare store.
    • If the nest is hanging from a branch, use a pair of pruners to cut it off.
  4. Step 4 Tie the garbage bag tight so any surviving hornets can't escape. 4 Tie the garbage bag tight so any surviving hornets can't escape. Make a knot in the garbage bag so the hornets are trapped inside. Once the bag is sealed, throw it directly in an outdoor trash bin.[18]
    • Thick plastic bags are too thick for the hornets to bite through.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question Should you kill a hornet's nest? Scott McCombe Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor. Scott McCombe Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Expert Answer Hornets are extremely aggressive, so it's likely you'll get stung. Call a professional exterminator if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
  • Question How do you kill hornets instantly? Scott McCombe Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor. Scott McCombe Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Expert Answer While it's not instant, insecticidal dust made to kill hornets will soak into their bodies and kill them in a fairly short time. You can also use an insecticidal spray. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
  • Question What time of day is best to spray a hornet's nest? Scott McCombe Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor. Scott McCombe Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Expert Answer Treat the hornet's nest at sunset or after dark. Hornets return to their nest at night and are at rest, so you're more likely to get all of the hornets if you spray at night. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
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Video

Tips

  • If the hornet nest isn't an immediate threat to your home, consider leaving it alone since they hunt and kill other common pests. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 4
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Don't remove the nest if you're allergic to hornets or bees. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2
  • Wear protective clothing or a beekeeping suit to protect yourself from stings. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
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Things You'll Need

Taking Safety Precautions

  • Long sleeved shirt, pants, and facemask OR a beekeeping suit
  • Thick gloves

Spraying the Nest with Dust

  • Insecticidal dust
  • Duster

Using an Insecticide Spray

  • Insecticide spray

Removing the Nest

  • Heavy-duty trash bag
  • Scraper

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References

  1. ↑ https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/insect-sting-allergies/
  2. ↑ https://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/baldfaced-hornet
  3. ↑ https://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/european-hornet
  4. ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/murder-hornet-spotted-in-the-united-states/2/
  5. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests
  8. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/get-rid-of-hornets/
  9. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests
More References (9)
  1. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef620
  3. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests
  6. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests
  7. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests
  8. ↑ https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/pesticides-pest-management/managing-pests/insects/yellow-jackets
  9. ↑ https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/pesticides-pest-management/managing-pests/insects/yellow-jackets

About This Article

Scott McCombe Co-authored by: Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist This article was co-authored by Scott McCombe. Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor. This article has been viewed 94,186 times. 40 votes - 83% Co-authors: 10 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 94,186 Categories: Bee and Wasp Control Article SummaryX

To kill a hornet nest, put on protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and a hood or scarf wrapped around your head to protect yourself from stings. In addition, you should keep your children or pets inside so they don’t get stung or become exposed to harmful chemicals. Scout out the nest during the day, then return at night when most of the hornets will be inside of the nest, and spray it with an insecticidal dust formula. Leave the area immediately after you’ve dusted the nest, and repeat the treatment if you see any hornets returning after 2 days. Keep reading to learn how to kill a hornet nest with insecticide spray. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Scott McCombe Co-authored by: Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Co-authors: 10 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 94,186 83% of readers found this article helpful. 40 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote

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